Todd Boehly paid a world record fee to make backroom change at Chelsea

Chelsea owner Todd Boehly parted ways with Thomas Tuchel back in September and hired Graham Potter as the new manager. Potter was at Brighton and Hove Albion and Chelsea had to pay compensation to bring him to Stamford Bridge.

The English manager signed a five year deal at Stamford Bridge as the new owners planned a massive overhaul. The idea was to instill a coach like Potter who could inject his ideas into the squad and make Chelsea one of the most dominant forces in the England and Europe in long term.

At Brighton, Potter was able to inculcate his ideas and system in the squad and they became a fun team to watch for the neutrals. Many would also argue that the Seagulls overachieved under Potter, given the budget and the players he had. The goals at Chelsea are obviously different but the main aim is to create a team plays free flowing football.

Chelsea paid a record fee for bringing Graham Potter from Brighton

Tuchel was sacked after just seven games into the new season and Boehly did not waste time in naming the new manager. Potter was contacted and signed as the new Chelsea manager in a matter of days. Bringing in Potter at Stamford Bridge came at a cost.

According to Standard Sport journalist Nizaar Kinsella, Chelsea paid a huge compensation of £21.5 million to Brighton for Potter. It is expected to be a world record fee as compensation for a football manager. Potter was contracted at the Amex Stadium until 2025 and Chelsea had to pay a compensation for breaking Potter’s contract and signing him as the new manager of the London club.

Brighton have posted humungous revenue of £174 million. Potter’s exit saw Brighton bring Roberto De Zerbi at the helm and the former Shakhtar Donetsk manager has done fantastic work in putting the Seagulls in European football places.

On the other hand, Potter has struggled to extract the best of the squad, as they sit 10th in the table with 38 points. There was a period where Chelsea had just one win in 11 games which prompted fans to rage and demand the sacking of Potter.

The Chelsea hierarchy have maintained their stance that they have full trust in the Englishman and the recent turbulent results will not make them take a decision over Potter’s future. This is a long term rebuild project and they feel that Potter is the best man for the job. Though the Blues have been underwhelming in the league, they have progressed to the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League and have a two legged encounter with Real Madrid.

If Potter is able to guide CFC to the Champions League title, all of the shortcomings in the league will be forgiven.

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